The launch event took place at École secondaire Lucien-Pagé in Montreal,
and was also an opportunity for the school's Principal, Louis
Bienvenue, and the teacher in charge of the Science Fairs, Patrick
Frappier, to say a few words about how valuable the Science Fairs are
as a driver of student retention and motivation. With about 100
students looking on, the two also commented enthusiastically on the
success of the Science Fairs at their school: it is an enriching local
competition that celebrating its 10th anniversary this year.

Taking part in the Science Fairs enables more than 15,000 young
Quebecers aged 20 and under to have tangible contact with science and
technology every year. During the months of March and April, a total of
12 Hydro-Québec Science Fairs Regional Finals will be held all across
the province, building up to the Super Expo-sciences Hydro-Québec,
Québec Final, taking place this year from April 18 to 21 in
Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean.

Luc Langevin, provincial spokesperson
New this year for the Hydro-Québec Science Fairs is the involvement of
Luc Langevin as provincial spokesperson. To mark this collaboration, a
promotional video for the 2013 season featuring the illusionist was
produced, and had its première screening during the launch event. The
video will be available all season long on the official Science Fair website.

Mr. Langevin says he got involved with the Science Fairs movement
because he wants to support young people in their thirst for learning
and their enthusiasm for science. "I'm convinced that, in the course of
developing their Science Fair projects, young people make interesting
and surprising connections between science and other fields that they
are passionate about," he explained. "They are naturally curious and,
like me, are eager to understand the world around them, to build on
their achievements, and to take their desire for learning to ever
greater heights. I hope to encourage them in this area, and also help
the public think differently about the world of science and about these
amazingly talented youngsters who will become our next generation of
scientists." Mr. Langevin also underlined the positive impact of the
Science Fairs on young people and schools. Lastly, the entertainer
urged members of the public to visit one of the Regional Finals, noting
that they offer something for all tastes and all ages.

Don't miss the Hydro-Québec Science Fairs, 2013 season!
Though the registration period for Regional Finals continues until
February, many young students have been hard at work on their projects
since early in the school year. A visit to a Science Fair is a chance
to discover all the creativity and enthusiasm that primary, secondary
and CEGEP students put into developing their projects. At the 2013
Regional Finals, more than 1,600 of them will be presenting projects,
which can be in three categories: Experimentation, Design or Study. The
subjects they address are extremely diverse, and often highly topical.

All the exhibitors are missing are members of the public and the media
to convey their passion for science and the results of their research.
Save the dates for the 2013 season of the Hydro-Québec Science Fairs,
and get ready for a journey of discovery!

The Hydro-Québec Science Fairs are organized by the CDLS-CLS Network,
and made possible with support from presenting partner Hydro-Québec, as
well as major financial partners including Bell, the Ministère de
l'Enseignement supérieur, de la Recherche, de la Science et de la
Technologie, as well as Merck, which has supported the Science Fair's
Experimentation projects for more than 20 years. Montréal daily
newspaper La Presse is the media partner of the Hydro-Québec Science Fairs.